asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have any plans to recognise the new Republic of Guinea-Bissau in view of the fact that recognition has now been afforded by 72 Governments and that that republic has been granted membership of the FAO of UNO as a full nation member.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Recognition of Guinea-Bissau.
62.
The Government fully support the inalienable right of the people of Guinea-Bissau to self-determination and independence, and are unequivocally opposed to the continued colonial domination of the people in that territory.
The Government have the situation under continuous review and will deal with the question of recognition as soon as they are satisfied that Guinea-Bissau has been established as an independent state.
I should make it clear that in Irish practice recognition means the formal acknowledgement of a legal entity and does not imply any form of approval or disapproval of the régime in control of the territory in question.
Is the Minister aware that internationally recognition is not contingent on the occupation of the capital? I understand the Minister for Foreign Affairs expressed that view at a meeting not so long ago. In view of the fact that 72 countries and the United Nations have now accorded recognition, would this country not follow suit and give formal recognition, remembering that there was a time in 1919 when we were very anxious for anyone to recognise us?
The question of the recognition of Guinea-Bissau arose during the current session of the UN General Assembly. On that occasion, when the resolution was put, there were 93 votes for, 7 against, and 30 abstentions, and all the EEC states, including Ireland, abstained. Our action in this matter should not be regarded as either approval or disapproval but simply due to the fact that, in accordance with the practice here, recognition is not given at the particular stage at which this development stands at the present time.